Federal food safety officials have announced that three people have died in a listeria food poisoning outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of people sickened has risen to 43, with the additional death occurring in Virginia. The outbreak started in late May and has resulted in deaths in New Jersey and Illinois as well. Boar’s Head recalled 7 million pounds of deli meats on July 30 after a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria, with more cases being reported since then. The recall includes over 70 products made at the company’s plant in Virginia.
Boar’s Head is facing two lawsuits over the outbreak, one in a Missouri court and the other a class action suit in federal court in New York. The contaminated meat was distributed to stores nationwide including international locations such as the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled meats and to either discard them or return them to the store for a refund. Listeria bacteria can survive and grow in the refrigerator, so officials recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the fridge to prevent contamination from spreading.
The CDC estimates that approximately 1,600 people a year get listeria food poisoning, with about 260 of those resulting in death. Common symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with more severe cases causing confusion and convulsions. Those most at risk are individuals over 65, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant individuals. It is important to note that symptoms may not appear for weeks after consuming contaminated food. The Associated Press Health and Science Department is solely responsible for all content related to this ongoing food safety issue.
In light of the recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, federal food safety officials have reported that three people have now died from the contaminated products, with the overall number of those sickened reaching 43 individuals. The CDC has identified cases in Virginia, New Jersey, and Illinois, with additional deaths occurring in each of these states. The recall of 7 million pounds of deli meats was initiated on July 30 after a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria, resulting in an expanded recall that now includes more than 70 products made at Boar’s Head plant in Virginia.
As a result of the listeria outbreak, Boar’s Head is facing legal action with lawsuits filed in both a Missouri court and a federal court in New York. The contaminated deli meats were distributed not only to stores nationwide but also international locations such as the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Consumers are urged to refrain from consuming the recalled meats and to either dispose of them or return them to the store for a refund. Given that listeria bacteria can thrive in refrigerators, individuals who had purchased the recalled products are advised to thoroughly clean and sanitize their fridges to prevent further contamination.
The CDC warns that listeria food poisoning can be deadly, with an estimated 1,600 people affected each year and approximately 260 deaths resulting from the infection. Symptoms of listeria infection typically include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with severe cases potentially leading to confusion and convulsions. Those at higher risk of complications include seniors over 65, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. It is crucial for individuals who may have consumed the contaminated deli meats to be aware that symptoms may not manifest until weeks after ingestion. The ongoing investigation into the outbreak is being monitored by the Associated Press Health and Science Department to ensure accurate reporting and dissemination of information to the public.
